Archive for the ‘After Death’ Category

What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

Wednesday, July 25th, 2018
What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

One of the most difficult things to do after a loved one dies and the funeral has ended is to clear out the deceased’s personal possessions. There are no official guidelines about how long you should hold onto things like clothes, books, and personal mementos, which makes this process difficult. Is one week too soon to pack everything up and donate it to charity? What if you cannot or do not want to get rid of anything at all? Or, as is often the case with valuable objects, what if there are multiple family members all clamoring for the same thing? (more…)

Meals to Make for a Grieving Family

Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
Meals to Make for a Grieving Family

Meals to Make for a Grieving Family

Food and death have long gone hand-in-hand. Although few people think about food when dealing with things like death, funeral plans, and grief, it is an important part of moving forward. Meals still need to be prepared and served for the whole family, and remembering to eat regularly is a good way to ensure self-care during such a difficult time. (more…)

Government Services When a Loved One Dies

Friday, June 22nd, 2018
Government Services When a Loved One Dies

Government Services When a Loved One Dies

When you lose an immediate family member (spouse, parent, or child), it is likely that your entire life is going to undergo a change. Not only will there be an emotional struggle, but you may find that your entire means of financial support is gone. Depending on your situation and your loved one’s occupation, you may be entitled to government bereavement support services. (more…)

To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Social Media Etiquette after a Death

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018
To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Social Media Etiquette after a Death

To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Social Media Etiquette after a Death

For most of us, social media is where much of our lives take place. We connect with old friends and make plans with current ones. We share photos of our partners, spouses, kids, and pets. We discuss politics and religion. (more…)

Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death

Friday, June 8th, 2018
Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death

Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death

Most people recognize the importance of sending flowers, a gift basket, or a condolence card when a loved one dies. This small gesture helps the family know they are not alone during their difficult time, and also helps you move forward with your own grief. (more…)

Financial Help When Someone Dies

Thursday, February 23rd, 2017
Financial Help When Someone Dies

Financial Help When Someone Dies

When a loved one dies (especially a loved one who contributed to your household income), there are more than just emotional side effects to contend with. From medical bills to funeral planning, death is an expensive process—one that leaves most families without the means to cover all the costs. And finding financial support during this time can be tricky. (more…)

Sending a Message from Beyond the Grave

Thursday, January 26th, 2017
Sending a Message from Beyond the Grave

Sending a Message from Beyond the Grave

These days, it is not uncommon for advance funeral planning to take on a macabre kind of entertainment. In an age when some people hold “living funerals” to say their goodbyes while they are still among us, and when you can pre-order a customized casket in bright colors or over-the-top themes, why not also consider sending a message that won’t be received until you have long since passed on? (more…)

Information Needed at the Time of Death

Monday, August 1st, 2016
Information Needed at the Time of Death

Information Needed at the Time of Death

For the majority of people, death takes us by surprise. Regardless of age, health, and what kind of advance funeral planning has already been done, chances are you will be at a loss when that phone call comes through. (more…)

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

Monday, June 27th, 2016
Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

When a death occurs, some people choose to surround themselves with family and friends as a way to cope. Being alone during this time can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with not only your grief, but day-to-day pressures like taking care of your kids, figuring out how financial matters stand, and self-care. (more…)

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

Monday, June 20th, 2016
Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

When a loved one dies and leaves all of his or her personal effects behind, it can be a great comfort to hold onto some of their most beloved belongings. Valuable artwork, a china cabinet that has been in the family for centuries, personal touches like perfume or a scarf—all these things can be passed on and treasured as you find ways to cope with your grief. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to keep everything, which means you will eventually need to sort through their belongings. (more…)